I mean whenever I read the threads in the safety forum and a cyclist is almost killed by a driver, most people say, don't worry , just get his licence number and call the police, no need to get into a confrontation.
Or also when someone is trying to steal your bike, people say call the police and report it. I say **** that approach, if a automobile driver does something stupid like trying to kill me with his/her car, I will do whatever I need to do to defend myself, if that means pepper spray , than that is OK with me. If I catch someone trying to steal my bike, I will introduce his face to the pavement, then I will call the cops. I have worked hard to save for my bike, it isn't some $2,000 bike, but I saved my own money and I spent a lot on upgrades, why should I let some lowlife just take it from me?
motorists take advantage of cyclists because they know the cyclist won't do anything. If cyclists stood up for themselves and stopped acting like wimps, automobile drivers wpould give us the respect we deserve, once they see we won't be intimidated by them, they will show us respect.
The BikeForums Team
-adv-
This is an archived thread, you can find the full version of this thread, with images, links and more content here.
If someone is coming at you with a club, by all means, defend yourself with force. But if someone stupidly cut you off or is hacksawing your seat stays, what possible good does it add to the situation that you beat each other up? You don't know if he's armed, or an off duty karate instructor, and losing a tooth or wearing a cast for 6 months for the sake of demonstrating your machismo is hardly a worthwhile deal.
jeff williams
I legally carry 2 feet of thick chain. Somebody stealing my T.R would be in a bad way when the man arrived.
Idiot stole a seat I gave my roomie for her bike -really noticable red\black\yellow Velo.
What a fool, there is maybe 2 of them in the whole city, mines marked underside.
If 'buddy' ups it without a fuss...his nose won't be broken with my elbow.
Real.
I also know by sight -the bike methief in town.
My bike goes missing -he will as well 'till I get my ride back.
My non-suspension crap mtb has had grand$ tossed at it, my dna is all over that thing.
Bloody mess, -buddy boosts my bike -his dna will be on it as well.
jeff williams
[QUOTE=cooker]You don't know if he's armed, or an off duty karate instructor.QUOTE]
1st point, yes, -second, doubt it.
If you see a ripoff-in progress and are worried about the physical, stand on the other side of the street and phone the cops.
timmhaan
i'm generally not afraid of the person in the car. i'm afraid that they might be carrying one of these:
Are you telling me that if someone has a saw to your bike then you walk away and call the police...wow.
genec
Are you telling me that if someone has a saw to your bike then you walk away and call the police...wow.
Well after you take a picture with your cell phone...
supcom
... if a automobile driver does something stupid like trying to kill me with his/her car, I will do whatever I need to do to defend myself, if that means pepper spray , than that is OK with me.
Do you spray it into the vent intake or wait until you have busted through the windshield so you can get a direct spray into the motorists face?
cyclezealot
I generally agree with crazy cyclist. But, if cycling advocacy made demands as a part of transportation planning and policy development , before the appropriate agencies- making news in the media.
- motorist might be more informed of our demands.
Yes, demands is an appropriate word. As they say- use it or loose it.
Better to make demands in advance on behalf of our legal rights rather than memorial rides for our fallen.
Treespeed
Oh great here comes all the chest thumping posts,
because escalation always makes these little interactions resolve in our favor.
jeff williams
True tale, my friend Josh had some sick Italian road frame -had it sent overseas to the factory for re-paint (some gay rainbow fade-job) one of a kind in town.....and the frame was stolen!
(Can't remember if it was from his apt or a shop during a build..)
One day, months later out cycling, his frame blows past other direction.
The chase was on, caught the guy at a light, dropped his bike and confronted....
Made him give up his wallet and give his address.
Told the guy he had 2 hours to strip the parts off the frame and give it back or the cops would be involved and he would be punched out and stomped next time they crossed paths.
(Josh is very big man)
He visited buddy a few hours later with a few friends (backup) and took possession of his frame.
cooker
Are you telling me that if someone has a saw to your bike then you walk away and call the police...wow.
I'd yell "Hey, that's my bike, get the Hell away from it", but I would not throw him down and beat the crap out of him, even if I felt confident I could take him. By the way...how do you feel about the spectator who intervened here (http://grab.orsm.net//priceless/sportsmanship.wmv)?
banerjek
I will do whatever I need to do to defend myself, if that means pepper spray , than that is OK with me. If I catch someone trying to steal my bike, I will introduce his face to the pavement, then I will call the cops. I have worked hard to save for my bike, it isn't some $2,000 bike, but I saved my own money and I spent a lot on upgrades, why should I let some lowlife just take it from me?
motorists take advantage of cyclists because they know the cyclist won't do anything. If cyclists stood up for themselves and stopped acting like wimps, automobile drivers wpould give us the respect we deserve, once they see we won't be intimidated by them, they will show us respect.
Your life is worth more than stuff. If you insist on getting in altercations with meth addicts and felons, it is only a matter of time before you get unlucky and suffer a serious injury or worse.
The idea that cyclists can intimidate motorists with force is laughable. You may be able to scare off a few people by acting like a psycho, but you will lose in any real conflict. If you shatter someone's windshield with a chain, you're likely to get hit with the vehicle. You'll be dead or seriously injuried, and most people will sympathize with the driver.
If you make it clear to motorists that you have a big chip on your shoulder, you'll have a heck of a time getting them to respect you. Cyclists who try to intimidate motorists remind me of the yappy dogs that lunge at me while I'm walking my sweetie -- she could finish off one of those noisemakers in one bite. My dog knows the yappers are harmless so she ignores them, but if one of them ever encounters a grouchy Rot, they're history.
Acting stronger than you are won't get you respect -- you have better luck if you just ride assertively but be considerate of others.
jeff williams
I'd yell "Hey, that's my bike, get the Hell away from it", but I would not throw him down and beat the crap out of him, even if I felt confident I could take him. By the way...how do you feel about the spectator who intervened here (http://grab.orsm.net//priceless/sportsmanship.wmv)?
I'm not sure what I'd do.....lets leave it @ that.
jeff williams
This ones funny, so I'm riding street, driver behind me starts honking, I run to the shoulder ...he doesn't pass, honks again!
We roll to a light, I drop the bike and walk up to the car..
"What the ____ is your problem?"
Driver leans over the passenger and says "Just wondering if Rick is gonna play bass this week at the show?"
"Oh....ya. See you there."
Felt like a total heel that time.
sbhikes
Not all of us are comfortable with committing battery against someone else. I'll defend my person, either with words or evasive actions, but I won't fight with someone, certainly not over traffic offenses or stolen property.
jeff williams
Not all of us are comfortable with committing battery against someone else. I'll defend my person, either with words or evasive actions, but I won't fight with someone, certainly not over traffic offenses or stolen property.
It's a guy thing -tough talk B.S.
Strange..I wouldn't give a flip if someone stole my car.
My fave bike is totally different, it's irreplaceable and I identify with it.
Like a horse or something living.
I love the stupid thing, it sleeps in my bedroom at night.
I need to see a mental health professional....bikes don't sleep.
slagjumper
I am quite a pasivist, but it does't mean that I dont row away from the rocks. When I anticipate trouble, I try to (mentally) find my ulock , chain or 2 by 4 on the ground. I'd only fight if I had to.
kf5nd
I am a black belt rank in Aikido, and hold a Texas Concealed Handgun License, and own and carry guns on my person. I hope what I say has some weight.
My advice is, avoid a physical confrontation at all costs. Let the property go. No bike is worth serious injury, death, or you being put in jail because you injured or maybe even accidentally killed someone, to say nothing of the emotional and spiritual anguish.
Rule #1 of gunfighting is... AVOID AT ALL COSTS
scottmorrison99
I am a black belt rank in Aikido, and hold a Texas Concealed Handgun License, and own and carry guns on my person. I hope what I say has some weight.
My advice is, avoid a physical confrontation at all costs. Let the property go. No bike is worth serious injury, death, or you being put in jail because you injured or maybe even accidentally killed someone, to say nothing of the emotional and spiritual anguish.
Rule #1 of gunfighting is... AVOID AT ALL COSTS
+1
Wulfheir
I am a push over. I don't confront. Unless I saw someone stealing my bike, then I'd be all up in his face like, "excuse me sir, I think you have the wrong bike.".
scarry
They need a clapping, and thumbsup emotcon.
I mean whenever I read the threads in the safety forum and a cyclist is almost killed by a driver, most people say, don't worry , just get his licence number and call the police, no need to get into a confrontation.
Or also when someone is trying to steal your bike, people say call the police and report it. I say **** that approach, if a automobile driver does something stupid like trying to kill me with his/her car, I will do whatever I need to do to defend myself, if that means pepper spray , than that is OK with me. If I catch someone trying to steal my bike, I will introduce his face to the pavement, then I will call the cops. I have worked hard to save for my bike, it isn't some $2,000 bike, but I saved my own money and I spent a lot on upgrades, why should I let some lowlife just take it from me?
motorists take advantage of cyclists because they know the cyclist won't do anything. If cyclists stood up for themselves and stopped acting like wimps, automobile drivers wpould give us the respect we deserve, once they see we won't be intimidated by them, they will show us respect.
catatonic
My take on seeing someone messing with my bike....I will personally deal with them.
Motorists....dealt with on a case by case....most of them get a finger....some get a nice long talk if I see them later that day in a parking lot. Ones that make verbal threats get apolice visit...those who try something....that's very case by case....if they get out of the car, tehy very well may get lock-whipped silly.
bullethead
i'm generally not afraid of the person in the car. i'm afraid that they might be carrying one of these:
http://www.gun-shi.co.jp/Gun/2005/2005-03/KSCG19.jpg
man, that's a nice looking gun
Crazy Cyclist
Do you spray it into the vent intake or wait until you have busted through the windshield so you can get a direct spray into the motorists face?
I would wai tuntil the windshield is busted, then spray the motorist in the face ( if need be)
Crazy Cyclist
Your life is worth more than stuff. If you insist on getting in altercations with meth addicts and felons, it is only a matter of time before you get unlucky and suffer a serious injury or worse.
The idea that cyclists can intimidate motorists with force is laughable. You may be able to scare off a few people by acting like a psycho, but you will lose in any real conflict. If you shatter someone's windshield with a chain, you're likely to get hit with the vehicle. You'll be dead or seriously injuried, and most people will sympathize with the driver.
If you make it clear to motorists that you have a big chip on your shoulder, you'll have a heck of a time getting them to respect you. Cyclists who try to intimidate motorists remind me of the yappy dogs that lunge at me while I'm walking my sweetie -- she could finish off one of those noisemakers in one bite. My dog knows the yappers are harmless so she ignores them, but if one of them ever encounters a grouchy Rot, they're history.
Acting stronger than you are won't get you respect -- you have better luck if you just ride assertively but be considerate of others.
I am considerate of those who deserve my consideration. If some ******* tries to run me off the road, why should I show him consideration?
Paul L.
I would wai tuntil the windshield is busted, then spray the motorist in the face ( if need be)
Aw, thats nuthin. I'd jump on his car, loop my ninja chain around his stearing wheel, yank it right out of his car through the windshield. Then I would smash the roof in like Godzilla! After that I would get mad and show him that us cyclists aren't gonna take it any more and I would make him eat a tire and take a toke off his exhaust pipe to see how he liked it........
Oops, sorry man, I thought we were exchanging woulda coulda shouldas. :)
Everyone reacts differently in life threatening situations, some tough talkers run away, some meek quiet people turn out to be Navy Seals. It's all decided when you get into the moment and then you find out what you would really do. Personally I would be a little leery of calling someone a weakling or similar for reacting differently than me as everyone has different abilities and experiences and will therefore react differently.
thebankman
The notion that bikers are wimps just makes me smile and laugh. Being a generally big person, no one has ever threatened me as I'm probably not a good target for bullies or jerks due to my size. Just today some idiot screamed something and laughed at me out the passenger window of an SUV, when I caught up to him at the light half a mile away and asked him "what was that about?" he said "nuthin." That's what most of these jerks are thinking most of the time, "nuthin."
And if I see some cager threatening someone on a bike, first I'll dial 911, then I'm gettin the cyclist's back. We need to stand up for one another out there...although most of the time, dialing 911 and having the police yell at some offensive prick is the best, if not most satisfying, solution.
banerjek
I am considerate of those who deserve my consideration. If some ******* tries to run me off the road, why should I show him consideration?
You shouldn't -- he's not worth your time or energy. Such individuals should be treated like dog crap. Don't worry about it or stomp on it because it stinks. Rather, use the minimum energy necessary to avoid it and continue on with life.
If the fact that the above method does not punish evil bothers you, consider the following: when these pathetic losers encounter each other on the roads or in life, they dish out a far worse punishment on each other than you could and you don't have to be involved.
jeff williams
You shouldn't -- he's not worth your time or energy. Such individuals should be treated like dog crap. Don't worry about it or stomp on it because it stinks. Rather, use the minimum energy necessary to avoid it and continue on with life.
Nice.
Reminds me of Do Easy. William S Burroughs story.
budster
The central premise of the greatest military text in history (http://www.chinapage.com/sunzi-e.html) is the following: "To win without fighting is best."
Anytime you escalate a conflict, or resort to violence to solve a problem, you have already "lost" to some degree; further, you risk losing a lot more than some pride or a bike.
Ritehsedad
2000 pound car, 30 pound bike...2000 pound car, 30 pound bike. Boy, that's too close to call, who do I bet on?
LittleBigMan
motorists take advantage of cyclists because they know the cyclist won't do anything. If cyclists stood up for themselves and stopped acting like wimps, automobile drivers wpould give us the respect we deserve, once they see we won't be intimidated by them, they will show us respect.
I am a mild-mannered guy, sometimes bordering on wimpy. I open doors for ladies, say "please and thank you, ma'am," and dig in my pockets for people panhandling on the street. But when my adrenaline is up and I'm threatened by a motorist, I've been known to turn into Mr. Hyde, and think with my gonads instead of my God-given brain. That's what happened one morning on the way to work a couple of years ago...
I won't tell the whole, dull story of how I was squeezed, cut off, etc., but it ended with my dumping my bike (well, laying it nicely down on the non-derailleur side in the grass :) ) and running up to the offending motorists vehicle, pointing my finger in his/her face (I think it was their face, they were "hiding" behind tinted glass and wouldn't roll down the window,) and finally punching the glass where I thought their nose might be.
I should have felt satisfied that I'd done my duty and told that sucker off, but my brain began to take over again and I started thinking thoughts like, "what if they call the cops and I get arrested for assault," and, "what if they see me again and sort of nudge me with their bumper at 45 mph," you know, thoughts like that, the ones that keep you up at night...
Don't take the law into your own hands. It's like grabbing a rattlesnake by the tail. If you aren't bitten, it's not because you didn't do your darndest trying.
dprayvd
aaaaa
LittleBigMan
Ahem, who gave you your gonads? :D
:lol: Well, they didn't come with an instruction manual, but I do know what they are for! :D
baj32161
:lol: Well, they didn't come with an instruction manual, but I do know what they are for! :D
So thats why you THINK with them :D ?!?!
j/k :D
LittleBigMan
So thats why you THINK with them :D ?!?!
j/k :D
I only think with them when the situation calls for it, and it usually accompanies soft music.
:beer:
bluerider
I am a black belt rank in Aikido, and hold a Texas Concealed Handgun License, and own and carry guns on my person. I hope what I say has some weight.
My advice is, avoid a physical confrontation at all costs. Let the property go. No bike is worth serious injury, death, or you being put in jail because you injured or maybe even accidentally killed someone, to say nothing of the emotional and spiritual anguish.
Rule #1 of gunfighting is... AVOID AT ALL COSTS
kf5nd:
Do you carry while you ride? Concealed or open? I'm considering open-carrying while cycling as a deterrent to motorists who would might hassle me. (For readers who don't know, open carry means carrying a gun visibly on your person.) Open carry is legal in my state, no license required. Of course, I'm not some renegade who's gonna shoot anybody who cuts me off, and the gun is ALWAYS my last resort....but the cagers don't know that. Think it might help?
The harassment and threats from carloads of drunk kids have really gotten out of hand.
-BR
huhenio
Someone would want to steal your gun .... concealment is a bliss